Improving Coghlan's Charcoal Stick Handwarmer

[Khalnath]

So, I bought one of these things, and when the stick actually BURNS, it works great, but the damned thing will not stay lit. I've tried lighting both ends of the stick and getting half of it burning before closing the lid, but it still goes out. Clearly it's not getting enough air. Any suggestions?

 

[Neanderthal]

Chemical handwarmers. Never had any luck with those sticks either.

 

[HomeBru]

I have a couple of these and always end up having to take them out of my pocket 'cause they get too hot! The sticks aren't supposed to burn, they smoulder. I'll light the end of one on the gas stove and let it burn in the open for 10 minutes or so and then shut it down and stick it in the breast pocket of my shirt under my outer layers. Never had a problem.

I quit using them for hunting as the deer really key in on the scent.

J-

 

[Khalnath]

By "burn" I mean glow. I did manage to get it to burn properly by cutting some slits in the glass wool with a utility knife. Before the sticks would go out (stop glowing) if I closed the lid. I used a butane jet lighter to light them... the instructions say you can light them with a match, but they are seriously dreaming on that count.

 

[Scott Free]

I've had good burns, and I've had duds. I think the trick is to get a serious chunk of it burning with a butane lighter. I think I've read that they need to be oriented correctly in the pocket. I'm not sure if the burning end should be up or down, though.